2013 Audi RS5 to be launched in India shortly

The India launch of the 2013 AudiRS5 in India is expected to happen soon according to Audi India’s Facebook page. The sports variant based on the A5 from the in-house tuning department of Audi was first unveiled at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. The new variant will replace the existing RS5 which has been available in the Indian market from 2011.

The 2013 RS5 though based on the A5 platform, is slightly wider and rides lower than the standard A5. It is powered by the same naturally aspirated, all-aluminium, direct-injected engine found on its predecessor. It produces 456PS of power and 430Nm of torque.

Similar to its siblings the RS5 makes use of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system which gets the power from the engine via a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. The Quattro setup splits torque in a 60 per cent rearward ratio to improve the vehicles driving dynamics. The RS5 though gets a new rear sport differential that replaces the standard rear diff found on the standard quattro setup.

In an attempt to improve the driving experience, the RS5 gets upgraded dampers and springs on the suspension front and also has improved quick throttle response. The vehicle also has a lowered ride height in order to reduce body roll. The RS5 also gives way for a new electric power-steering (EPS) setup that replaces the engine-driven hydraulic assist.

On the aesthetic front the RS5 gets a number of embellishments to give it the distinctive sporting appeal. The variant gets a retractable rear spoiler exclusive to the RS5 and also features a blacked-out trapezoidal grille with matching lower intakes. Under the hood, the RS5 distinguishes itself with red cam covers and a carbon-fibre intake manifold. The optional list for the variant includes piano black trim, 20-inch graphite-coloured wheels and a sport exhaust system with black finishers.

The current RS5 is priced at Rs 87.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and the new variant will most likely be priced higher than the current model. The optional package will cost another couple of lakhs making the RS5 even pricier than the M5 or the E63 AMG.